**TUESDAY: 6-mile run on hilly courseWEDNESDAY: Day off!THURSDAY: 6-mile run and total-body strength trainingFRIDAY: Stretching!SATURDAY: 10-mile long run at a slow and steady paceSUNDAY:Soccer speed work (there's plenty of sprinting in the 90-minutes we play) and more stretching!

My family and I are in training mode! As of this week we have a bunch of walkers, some 1st time half marathoners, and a few very experienced runners on board for the April race. I'm excited; it's become a real family affair! Now it's T-shirt time. I want to get the WHOLE gang to stand out in a crowd. That's why I'm making it my mission to come up with some great matching gear. I'll keep you posted on the shirts we'll be sporting for race dayJ

**mozo says: Hi Erin, I have a quick question. I have always wanted to do a half marathon (I run anywhere from 5-8 miles 3-4 days a week) but I have this problem where when I run in the morning (or most times) I need to use the restroom within 2-3 miles. I feel this will ruin the experience, is there anything I can do differently w/ my diet? I normally don't drink coffee or anything when I run in the am, but it still gets to me... any help?

**Answer: Hey Mozo, don't let this stop you from running a half. The bathroom has always a big issue for me when I run/play soccer/or compete in a triathlon! But getting up 2-2 1/2 hours before runs/race time and eating a healthy breakfast (a banana and a slice of toast with peanut butter or a yogurt) seems to help. I also make sure I'm well hydrated the week before the race and take just a few sips of water in the morning before the start. And I always plan to use the bathroom before I leave the house and right before lining up at the start line (but bring wipes, toilet paper is a hot commodity on race day). But if all else fails, there are TONS of portable potties along the race route (I remember seeing them as early as mile 2 at the Long Branch Half). And no, stopping to use one won't ruin your race day experience. It'll probably just leave you with another funny memory from your first half marathon. So, sign up!